Seeking 10 young social entrepreneurs in London

This was published under the 2010 to 2015 Conservative and Liberal Democrat coalition government

Aaron Murray, who is a former gang member hoping to start up a boxing gym as part of Frontline London. Photo: Alex Lentati/Evening Standard.

These people, aged between 18 and 30, will have overcome challenges in their lives, for example putting addiction or gang life behind them. They should be determined to build a positive future and inspire other young people to do the same.

In return, they will receive up to £8,000, training and a business mentor to help them. This is part of the Frontline London campaign to help people from disadvantaged backgrounds, including reformed gang members, to make a positive impact on their communities.

Are you a young person in London determined to make a positive difference to your community? Do you have a brilliant idea for a social enterprise? Apply by 5pm on 2 May 2014.

A social enterprise is a business that provides social benefit, rather than just making a profit. The School for Social Entrepreneurs (SSE) will contribute through recruiting the 10 young people and providing training for them.

The government has provided £50,000 for the Evening Standard’s Frontline London campaign, and Nick Hurd, Minister for Civil Society, is closely involved. Nick Hurd said:

When I met with young people at a gangs forum organised by the Standard and Kids Company in South London last year, 2 things impacted me: their anger and their desire to feel part of society and supported in their aspirations.

I wanted to do something about that, so I am excited by this partnership and congratulate the Evening Standard on their leadership.

The opportunity to set up social business will change the lives of these young people. It gives them a chance to make money and help their community. Their journey will show their peers what can be achieved outside the gang. I hope Londoners get behind them.

Lloyds Banking Group has also contributed £100,000 and will provide business mentors for the young people.

Application process

The SSE will shortlist up to 20 applicants. They will be invited to pitch their idea on 21 May to a Dragons’ Den type selection panel that includes representatives from the Evening Standard, Lloyds Banking Group, School for Social Entrepreneurs and the government.

The Evening Standard will announce the 10 selected candidates. These 10 young people will start their one-day-a-month learning programme at the School for Social Entrepreneurs in June to help them to turn their idea into reality. They will also receive a start-up grant of up to £8,000 each, and a one-on-one business mentor from Lloyds Banking Group to ensure maximum chance of success.

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